I'm doing some overall maintenance right now, and putting in a new EGR valve. EGR gear on the car would appear to be a bit out of whack, so if you know a lot about this stuff, please see my other recent post entitled ""Mystery Part", to me anyway..."

That being said, I thought it might be a good time do some general maintenance on the EGR system...since it looks like I'll be staring at that EGR diagram quite a bit trying to figure out, why it appears there are two EGR Solenoids in there. Is there a general maintenance schedule for all the EGR components? What should I look for, test, clean or consider replacing?

I'd like to replace as many vacuum lines as I can...do they have a "size" I can buy in a roll? I generally don't bring parts to the counter for comparison, as online discounts are far too deep...so if anyone knows the size, that would help.

The car has about 135k on it now. Mechanically, it was pretty well maintained by the previous owner, but most this stuff looks to be original.

Anyway...your thoughts appreciated.

 

Either they work or don't and not much needed until they fail. If you want to do something useful flush brake fluid power steering coolant and change trans fluid and rear end oil. Buy a grease gun as there are a lot of fittings that no oil change place have ever greased.

 

Good things to suggest...they've all been done, or are on my agenda. Yes,. I do have a grease gun, and you're right! I used to work for a quick oil change place when I was 17 and these cars were new. I guess we were both in better shape back then, ha-ha. Don't remember having greased many fittings on them...probably couldn't find most in the 10 minute time limit. I just have some weird stuff going on with my EGR system, and thought to do anything I need to it now, rather than later. Hate to have to pull that plenum and runners off again. Anything comes to mind, let me know. Thanks!

 

w/ ddahlgren, that is, either the (EGR) valve works or it doesn't. not a lot you can do to the valve assembly, but a light cleaning around the actual valve itself. I have seen something, don't really recall exactly, where someone did unscrew the collar around the piston/seat and performed a light cleaning, but I've never done anything like that myself. you can check the operation of the valve assembly by applying a little vacuum to the vacuum port - basically, stick a hose on the end and suck on it - ! you should be able to see movement of the valve. other than that, any other issues - egr solenoid or temp sensing switch will throw a code and or vacuum hose issues can then be addressed.

there is only one (1) solenoid valve assembly in the stock configuration, sounds like you need to do a little clean-up work. follow the "plumbing" diagram on your under hood emissions label.

vacuum lines - I replace ALL vacuum lines, including emissions system related, cruise control, and windshield wiper system on my 85. seems to me, 5/32" is the most common size - also the same for the windshield wiper sprayer lines. i bought a 50 foot roll, and probably used about half. for the amount needed of that 5/32" size, bulk is better on pricing. there are a couple other sizes that i don't recall exactly, but i did buy small quantities at the local parts supplier. just about everything i bought was under the Gates label. note the vacuum lines associated with the fuel emissions system differ from standard vacuum (fuel/oil resistant) - mostly the stuff around the fuel tank vapor canister and purge valve system. not hard work, but quite the task - pull and replace one line or section at a time, and there shouldn't be any problems. some of my (emission) lines were dry-rotted and my under plenum stuff was a patch work of 20 year old band-aids. between rotted lines, open ports, a broken check valve, i'm supprised the frickin' car was still running -

as far as other maintenance, again, w/ ddahlgren, service all your fluids and lube everything as required. if you don't have a factory service manual, GET ONE! spending a little time now, especially preventative maintenance, should get you another 135K miles out of that puppy!

 

Thanks again, Joe! Yea, I definitely need to do some clean up work. A "Mystery part" I had turned out to be an extra solenoid used as a substitute. Cleared up thanks to a few forum members...perhaps including yourself.

I do have some 5/32" vacuum hose,but yea...I believe it! That stuff around the canister needs to be fuel/oil resistant. That stuff is always funky down there!

Exactly...one of the reasons for my inquiry! All that hosing is 30 years old now...mush that falls apart in your hand on the parts by the canister.

Yea, it is good advice. Most older cars I've had, I replace all fluids, filters, etc. shortly after I get 'em...so I can "trust" the car. But this guy doesn't get driven, so it's been a work in progress, so some still needs to get done.

I do have a FSM that I'd forgotten about, and have been using it lately. Wish it wasn't digital format, 'cause it can be hard to sift through at times.

Yea, I bet you're right. When well maintained, they do keep a'runnin'!

Thanks for all your help!